Device for retaining viol type instrument peg in position



Sept. 6, 1960 w. c. WHEELER 2,951,413

DEVICE FOR RETAINING VIOL TYPE INSTRUMENT PEG IN POSITION Filed Sept. 15, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIGJ FIG .4

I "we/v ran 9 WALTER C.WHEELER Sept. 6, 1960 w. c. WHEELER DEVICE FOR RETAINING VIOL TYPE INSTRUMENT PEG IN POSITION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 15, 1958 FIG .7 F|G.8

FIG.5

INVEMOR WALTER C.WHEELER FIGJO P 1960 w. c. WHEELER 2,951,413

DEVICE FOR RETAINING VIOL TYPE INSTRUMENT PEG IN POSITION Filed Sept. 15, 1958 S'Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR WALTER C.WHEELEF United States Patent DEVICE FOR RETAINING VIOL TYPE INSTRU- MENT PEG IN POSITION Walter C. Wheeler, Cincinnatus, N.Y.

Filed Sept. 15, 1958, Ser. No. 760,990

Claims. (Cl. 84-305) This invention relates to devices for preventing the loosening of a peg and the string wound thereon of a viol type instrument of the kind in which the strings are tuned by winding them on pegs which are fitted into bores in the head of the instrument.

Pegs of the kind are slightly tapered and precisely fitted in tapered bores which are passed transversely across the head of the instrument below the scroll. They are normally held from turning by friction. However, when the instrument, such as a cello is cooled to a low temperature, as by transporting it from .a warm room to an outdoors winter temperature, the change in the volume of the woods causes the pegs to loosen and let the strings unwind. Viol type instruments have sound posts set to one side of .and near the highest pitched string, and below the bridge. The sound post extends from the back to the front plate of the instrument and it is fitted at its ends to the inner contours of the plates. The length must be such that it can be set in position without much pressure on the plates. When the strings are tightened over the bridge and brought up to pitch, the inward stressing of the front plate at and near the feet of the bridge serves to exert pressure on the end of the sound post and retain it securely in position, even when only one of the strings is tensed. When all the strings are loose the front and back plates spring away from each other and the sound post will easily fall, or become displaced, if the instrument is jolted, as it will be in carrying it from place to place. The setting of a sound post is a meticulous operation requiring the employment of special tools, the services of an expert and often many trials in order to find the exact location and length of post which will make tfully available the vibrating qualities of the instrument. This position varies with different instruments of the same kind and is an empirical determination. Consequently it is most desirable to provide means to maintain at least one of the strings of such an instrument relatively taut at all times in order to retain the sound post in its proper position.

It is among the objects of the invention to provide means for preventing the unwanted loosening of a peg of a viol type instrument of the kind in which the pegs are fitted into bores and held in place by friction.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for preventing the falling of the sound post in such instruments which falling results from the unwanted 1oosening of the strings of such instruments.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description which will be made with reference to the drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts, in which Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the head and scroll of a viol type musical instrument showing the mounting of the pegs and strings together with one form of device made in accordance with the present invention, which device is shown removably mounted on the side of the head for preventing the loosening of one of the strings,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lower peg of the instrument being shown in cross section taken along the line 33 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of .the head and scroll of the instrument shown in Fig. 1, showing the mounting of another form of the device removably mounted on the side of the head thereof,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 4 upon which a reinforcing rib is mounted,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a modified form of the modification shown in Figs. 4 to 6, shown in side elevation,

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view illustrating a modification of the battle portion of a device of the invention,

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the head of a viol type instrument showing still another modification of the device the same being mounted across the neck of the instrument,

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the head or" a viol type instrument and a further modification of a device made in accordance with the present invention,

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 11, and a cross sectional view of the neck along the line 12-12,

Fig. 13 illustrates another modification of the invention which is mounted across the neck of the instrument, showing a front elevational view of the device and a fragmentary view of the neck of the instrument, and

Fig. 14 illustrates the device of Fig. 12 in side elevation, the neck of the instrument being shown in cross section taken along the line 14-14 of Fig. 13.

In general the peg retaining devices of the present invention may comprise at least one pair of bafiies disposed to engage the enlarged or thumb portion of the peg when the peg becomes loosened and turns, but in some modifications more than two such bafiies may be provided to prevent the pegs or keys from turning. Secondly, means are provided to prevent the battles from turning when the peg turns. This means comprises an extension of a battle which is disposed to extend along one surface of the head of the instrument, said surface being a front, a side or back of the head. This extension is arranged to be engaged to some portion of the head, or to another peg, in order to prevent the turning of the battle. Other means may .be provided for attaching or retaining the baffles or extension in place, such as a cord or latch which in mounted position is attached to one of the foregoing parts and is passed around the head of the instrument, or around another peg.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the device shown in Figs. 1 to 3 comprises the bafiles 1 and 1 disposed on opposite sides of the enlarged thumb portion 2 of upper peg 3 of a viol type instrument. One of the bafiies is extended downwardly and bent through an angle of degrees on a median axis of the bafiie so that the extended part 4 will lay along the near side of the neck 20. At the lower end of the extension 2. slot 7 is formed to provide a forked end for straddling the lower peg 8. A latching element, such as a string or cord 9 may be attached to the lower end of the extension, passed under and around the peg 8, knotted at the end and lodged in a bayonet slot 10 for preventing the device from becoming detached. In operation it will be seen that the second string 15 wound on the peg 3 will continue to be held in any desired predetermined state of tension in the event that .the peg 3 may become loosened from any cause. In the event that the peg becomes loosened, the enlarged thumb portion 2 thereof will be engaged by the baffles 1 and 1 which are disposed on its opposite sides and the string will be prevented from slackening. In turn the sound post will be prevented from falling by reason of a lack of tension on the string. As shown in *Figs. 1 to 3 it will readily be apparent that the first, third or fourth string, or all of them may become slack without allowing the normal position of the sound post to become up-set. The baflles of the device may be mounted over the enlarged portion of the peg 8, if desired; and the forked end passed around the upper peg 3, or around the thumb portion of any of the pegs, as convenience may appear from the position of the pegs.

The modification of the device shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 comprises the bafiles l and 1 and the connecting part b disposed similarly to the like parts of Fig. 1. In the modification shown in Figs. 4, S and 6 the extension 4 of baffle 1 is in the same plane as the baffle and is extended to bear against the portion of peg 6 which projects from the side of the neck. In this modification the cord 9 is passed around the peg 8 thus retaining the device in place as shown. The modification shown in Fig. 7 is similar to that of Figs, 4 to 6, except that the extension 4 is shorter and does not overlap the peg 8. In this modification it is only necessary to vary the latching means, in that the string is lengthened in order to loop it around the emerging portion of the peg 8. In the modification of Fig. 8 there is only one connecting portion [1 attached to the baflles 1 and 1', where- 5, 6 and 8, and if desired the rib may constitute the connector b and the extension 4, or either of them. In Fig. 8 the latching cord 9 is secured to the short leg of the U-shaped structure and is brought underneath the peg 8. The free end of the cord is knotted and lodged in a bayonet slot near the terminus of the as in the preceding modifications the baffles are connected both at the top and bottom.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is also illustrated the use of a reinforcing, stiifening element or rib 1 2 for preventing undue displacement of the bafiles 1 and 1 in such instances as that when these baffles or the connector b comprise material which is unduly resilient. The reinforcement is suitably secured or fastened to the head of-the device, as by rivets 13. The reinforcement or rib may be com posed of the same material as the baffles or connector b, or of a different material which may be stiffer, such as a stiff metal wire as shown in the drawings or a strip of metal. When desired the reinforcing element may be extended beyond the baffle structure, or even to the terminus of the extension 4. Alternatively when the reinforcing element is extended to such terminus the extended reinforcing element may be used instead of the extension 4 of the baffle shown in Figs, 4 and 5. In such case the extension 4 of the baffle material will be dispensed with beyond the edge of the baffle. The reinforcing element may be used in the manner described in any of the modifications of the invention shown. This construction i desirable when the material of the baffle or of connector b is composed of relatively pliant or frail material, such as one of the considerably pliant polymers of ethylene or somewhat resilient sheet rubber. However the reinforcement shown in Figs. 5 and 6 may be omitted altogether when the material of construction has the desired stiifness to prevent undue displacement of the baflies. It will be evident that when the reinforcing element is extended as faras the terminus of the extension 4, the latching means will be incorporated near or at the end thereof for the purposes described.

Fig. 8 is illustrative of a U-shaped modification of the invention. The baffles 1 and 1' and the connector b may be composed of relatively stiff material with or without being reinforced by a stiffening rib 12, or the battles and connector may be composed of relatively flexible material and reinforced by a rib 12 which is attachedto give stiffness. For example instead of being composed of relatively stiff material, the aifles 1 and 1 and connector b, or either of them may be composed long leg of the U. The rib 12 is shown as a flattened strip of material which may be composed of the same substance as the bafiles or of a different material, depending on the amount of stiffness desired in the connector b or the extension. When the baffies 1 and 1' are relatively pliant sheet form material, the rib 12 may desirably be a strip of stiff material. some stability of structure is achieved by making the rib somewhat coextensive in length with the baffles, connector and baffle extension. A soft textured material is desirable as the material from which to construct the baflies, extension and parts which contact the instrument, since they will not be unduly worn or marred by the same.

The device illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 comprises baffles 1 and 1' connected by the part b and disposed on opposite sides of the enlarged thumb portion 2 of the peg 3. The extension 4 of the baffle 1 is extended across the back of the head 2% of the instrument and the cord 9 attached to the extension on one side of the head is wound around the head to the other side and lodged in the bayonet slot 10 for securing the device in place. In this form of the invention only one leg is involved in securing the string. In operation the thumb portion 2 of the peg will engage the baffles -1 and 1 when the peg is loosened and the baffles will be prevented from turning by the engagement of the exten-. sion 4 with the corrugated surface of the head 20.

In the modifications shown in Figs. 11 to 14 both baffles 1 and 1 are extended around the head 20 from front to back, forming a somewhat U-shaped structure, and the cord 9 for securing the device in place is mounted at or near the ends of the projecting legs. form the cord is preferably shortened so that the free ends of the legs will be sprung inwardly and will be spaced apart a distance less than the depth of the head 20, thereby preventing endwise shifting of the device. The U- shaped structures may be mounted with the peg positioned in the outer or leg portion of the U-shaped structure as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, or with the peg positioned near or in contact with the bottom of the U- shape as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.

A large variety of materials with varying texture and I stiffness may be used for constructing the devices of the invention. They can be fabricated conveniently from sheet material and reinforced when desired. The sheet material is preferably of a kind which is firm, some- I what stiff and somewhat resilient, but as pointed out above a wide variation in stiffness is permissible where stiffening ribs are employed. Accordingly various metals and plastics are desirable materials, such as steel, brass,

means may he used. From the foregoing disclosure it will be recognized that the invention is susceptible of In the latter case- In this still other modifications from those specifically shown, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is to be understood that the description is not to be construed'as limiting the invention to the specific illustrations set forth herein.

I claim:

1. In combination with a string tensioning peg which comprises a round tapered shank upon which a string is tensed and reeled, and an integral thumb portion having opposite opposed faces, said thumb portion being discshaped and extending edgewise from the end of said shank, said tapered shank being frictionally mounted in a fitted transverse bore in the head of a viol type musical instrument, the thickness of said shank and disc portion being relatively small as compared with the transverse dimension of the disc taken along a line perpendicular to the axis of the shank and in a plane midway between the faces of said thumb portion, said opposed faces being disposed transversely to the head of the instrument; a device for arresting the un-reeling of said string when the shank becomes loosened in said tapered bore, said device comprising a pair of baffles disposed on opposite sides of said thumb portion and spaced apart from the opposite faces thereof; un-yielding bridging means extending from one end of one of the bafiles to the corresponding end of the other baflle, said bridging means fixing the relationship of the baflles to each other so that they will engage said thumb portion when the shank is released by loosening the same in said fitted bore; an extension on at least one of said battles; and pliant means associated with said extensions provisionally and loosely retaining the device in operative position.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the extension comprises an arm which is recessed at its outer end to form fingers to be disposed on opposite sides of an adjacent peg of the instrument and to extend along one side of the head.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the extension comprises an arm of insuflicient length to engage another peg of the instrument; and the means for provisionally and loosely securing the device in operative relation extends from the lower end of said arm to said other peg of said instrument.

4. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the extension comprises an arm which is disposed to engage the shank of another peg of the instrument.

5. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the extension comprises an arm which extends transversely across the head of the instrument wherein the keys are mounted.

6. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which both bafiles extend transversely across the head of the instrument and on opposite sides thereof; and the means for securing the device in operative position comprises a latching means which extends from the outer terminus of one of the baffles to the outer terminus of the other.

7. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the means for retaining the baffles in fixed relation to each other is a narrow stiff elongated rib which is securely attached to the spaced baffles and comprises the connection between the two baflies.

8. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the extension of the baffle comprises a stiff rib which is secured to the baffles.

9. A device in accordance with claim 1 in which the device is U-shaped, having one leg of the U longer than the other; said device comprising a stiffening rib extending across the baffles and the connection therebetween for restraining them from undue displacement when the instrument peg is turned; said rib extending along said longer leg; and a latching means extending between the two legs of the device and disposed to engage another peg of the instrument.

10. A device in accordance with claim 1 which is U-shaped and has one leg longer than the other, said longer leg being extended to engage the shank of the next peg of the instrument.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 982,425 Gotterke Jan. ?A-, 1911 1,056,686 Jenkins Mar. 18, 1913 2,676,619 Consoletti Apr. 27, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 2 95l,4l3 September 6, 1960 Walter C. Wheeler It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 5 line 31, for "extensions" read extension ====a Signed and sealed this llth day of April 19610 i SEA L) ERNEST W SWIDER a ARTHUR W. CROCKER Attesting Uiiicer A i Commissioner of Patents UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 2 95l,4l3 September 6, 1960 Walter (39 Wheeler It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below,

Column 5, line 31 for extensions" read extension.

Signed and sealed this llth day of April 1961;,

ERNEST W SW'IDER ARTHUR W. CROCKER Attesting Ufiicer A i Commissioner of Patents 

